A spot for Bill to ponder some things, generally Christian in nature. Often about how Christians can and should relate to their friends and neighbors. But I may ponder about other things from time to time too.

2011-10-07

As you are probably quite aware, Steve Jobs passed away. The news of his passing has been everywhere. Steve brought us many innovations through the years. Not just mundane products and innovations, he brought us products and innovations that people loved a great deal. So naturally people have been commenting on his passing.

One thing I can’t help but notice is that everyone attributes every innovation from Apple to Steve Jobs. I admit that I do not know exactly how they dream up and design new products at Apple. But I’m pretty sure Steve didn’t design every circuit, he didn’t write every line of code, he didn’t design every cool looking case. He had help. Probably lots of help from teams of committed engineers. Steve seemed to be the vision caster, but those products probably wouldn’t have come to be if there wasn’t a team of people working on them. But that team largely gets ignored. Lost in the shadow cast by Steve Jobs.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against Steve Jobs. He did help shape technology over the past several decades. But if it was all Steve, Apple is in trouble now. If it was a team, then they are much more likely to be able to continue to innovate and bring cool products to the market.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:12 (New International Version)

Are you a one man (or woman) show? Or are you building a team? That’s worth pondering about…